Fleeing driver nearly runs over Grover Beach officer

October 23, 2015

A 38-year-old man, allegedly on drugs at the time, nearly ran his truck over an officer, then led police on a cross-county chase Thursday night.

Around 11:30 p.m., a Grover Beach police officer saw a suspicious truck backed into a driveway of a residence in the 1100 block of Farroll Road. Richard Joe Hanson, a 38-year-old transient, was in the truck, according to a Grover Beach Police Department news release.

When the officer approached the truck, Hanson accelerated and drove toward the officer. The truck nearly struck the officer who jumped out of the way, according to the press release.

Police pursued Hanson through areas of Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande and Oceano. The suspect then entered northbound Highway 101 and drove at speeds of up to 90 mph.

Officers deployed a spike strip in Atascadero. Hanson exited the highway and came to a stop at El Camino Real and San Rafael Street where officers took him into custody. No accidents or injuries occurred during the chase.

Officers arrested Hanson on charges of felony evading an officer, felony attempted assault with a deadly weapon on an officer, driving under the influence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a suspended license, violation of probation and having a no-bail felony warrant and booked him into the San Luis Obispo County Jail. He is being held without bail.

Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach and Atascadero police assisted Grover Beach officers during the chase. The CHP and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office also provided assistance.